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PRODUCT MAINTENANCE GUIDE - Rabbitopia

Although the specialist in-house design and manufacturing teams at Dunster House ensure that all Rabbitopias are built to last, performing regular maintenance will help prolong their life and protect your investment.

The Key Areas to focus on when Performing Maintenance

Here at Dunster House, we recommend that systematic checks are carried out on your Rabbitopia at least once a year. Here is a list of the key areas to focus on when performing maintenance;

Inspecting the bottom of the walls to ensure the Rabbitopia is still level

Inspecting the condition of the wooded shelves and SkyDen.

Inspecting the condition of the mesh

Inspecting the condition of the shed roof (if purchased)

Inspecting the condition of the optional Mesh Floor (if purchased)

For more detail on how you can perform the key maintenance to your Rabbitopia outlined above, please read on for our comprehensive guide.

Inspecting the bottom walls of your Rabbitopia

The Rabbitopia can be installed onto any base, as long as it is level. If it is installed on a concrete base, patio or decking, then ensure that the bottom timbers are free from standing water.

Our pressure treated timber is guaranteed for 10 years against rot and insect infestation, but only for “above ground use”. Buried timber has been given extra treatment to protect it but in order to prevent timber being buried for years, there is some simple steps you can take to protect your purchase. If your Rabbitopia is built directly on to grass, overtime the grass will grow up around the bottom timbers, and then die as the seasons change. The overall result is that the Rabbitopia will sink. To fix this, simply relocate the Rabbitopia by a few inches so that the bottom timbers are back on the surface. Fill in the small dip where the Rabbitopia had been and had settled in to the ground.

Inspecting the wooden shelves and SkyDen.

As with any animal home, animal mess can cause damage. The pressure treated timber can be easily cleaned of even the most stubborn mess with a pressure washer (make sure curious bunnies are moved far away!)

Inside the SkyDen, do not use a pressure washer as high pressure water would disintegrate the insulation. Instead use a stiff brush, followed by pet disinfectant to clean out the SkyDen.

Inspecting the Mesh

The wall and roof mesh are galvanized which means they are unlikely to rust. However, that is not the only concern. We use very tough 18g weld mesh so it is unlikely a predator will be able to get in. We also staple from the outside so that a predator pushing at it is pushing against the whole structure. The timber fox guarding prevents a rabbit pushing against the mesh and weakening it at the bottom. Just because a predator has such a difficult obstacle doesn’t mean one wouldn’t try. Regularly inspect the mesh and look out of enlarged mesh gaps or pulled out staples to indicate where a predator might have been trying to gain access and simply repair by adding stables back in or bending the mesh back to shape. When replacing a staple, put the new one in on the mesh grid above and below the old one. Do not simply add a staple back in to the old hole or it may not be able to hold.

Inspecting the Roof of your Interaction Shed (if purchased)

The material used on the shed roof will not rot. It is two pieces that have a sealed joining strip down the middle. Any moisture getting through would run down this strip to where the wall meets the roof. Check this area for damp. If there is any, check to ensure the roof has been installed correctly with the two pieces tight enough to create a tight seal.

Ultimately, though, remember this shed is open to the elements due to the mesh parts. The timber will not rot as it is pressure treated but do not leave items in the shed that could rot themselves.

Inspecting the Floor Mesh (if purchased)

Rabbits should not walk directly on the floor mesh and we recommend turfing over the floor. This means the galvanized metal will eventually rust. We have chosen the best mesh we can for the job to ensure it lasts a long time.

You can increase the lifespan of the mesh by ensuring that under the mesh there is a sand soil type. This will ensure that moisture from the turf will drain down and away from the mesh.

You can also help extend the lifespan by moving them around. Rabbits like to find one spot to use as a toilet and the mesh in that place will be damaged faster than others. The mesh panels can be moved even after construction so once a year swap the mesh under the toilet for a piece of mesh from another place to share the wear.

New mesh panels can be purchased if you want to replace any.

At Dunster House, we’re committed to making sure you get the best so if you have any questions, we’re happy to help! Contact us if you need any help or further information.